This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet true American heroes, said event chairman Michael Joseph of Corning.

“The Tuskegee Airmen came here (to Wings of Eagles) in 2004. We had seven original airmen here. Only one of those is still living,” Joseph said. “This is a rare opportunity to share an afternoon or evening with some of America’s greatest heroes. These people are American treasures.

“There will be activities for everybody. They will have fun while learning a little bit about American history,” he said.

Proceeds from the event will support several local charitable causes, including the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center youth education programs.

Wings of Eagles President Mike Hall had a chance to meet Brown in the 1980s, when Hall was an Air Force officer involved in a program to foster inclusion and diversity in the ranks.

Some of his top pilots resisted those efforts until they had a chance to meet Brown and another member of the Tuskegee Airmen in person.

“They spent a couple of hours with my pilots. It was complete sea change. After that meeting with these two great Americans, the pilots got it,” Hall said.

“I just owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Tuskegee Airmen to help me accomplish something dear to my heart. I’ve spent most of my life trying to promote equal opportunity and inclusion.

“It’s a remarkable story of American citizenship,” he said. “This group of citizens were clearly disenfranchised from the country when they went into military service and put their lives on the line and performed remarkably.”

If you go

What:

“Return of the Red Tails,” Tuskegee Airmen reunion.

When:

Afternoon program noon to 4 p.m. May 24. Evening grand gala from 5:30 p.m. to midnight May 24.